10747417

Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method and Information Processing Program for Using a Cursor

PublishedAugust 18, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
12 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. An information processing apparatus, comprising: at least one memory configured to store computer readable instructions; an input interface; and a processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions to cause, when dragging is carried out through the input interface, a cursor interconnecting a start point and an end point of the dragging to be displayed on a display section in response to the dragging and execute, where a direction from one end portion of the cursor which is a start point side of the dragging to an other end portion of the cursor which is an end point side of the dragging is determined as a direction of the cursor, a process corresponding to the direction of the cursor for information displayed on the display section, execute a first process including changing the information to be displayed on the display section based on the other end portion of the cursor entering a predetermined region set on the display section during the dragging, and execute a second process corresponding to the direction and a length of the cursor for the information displayed on the display section, a degree to which the process is executed being based on the length of the cursor based on the other end portion of the cursor being outside of the predetermined region during the dragging, wherein the second process corresponding to the direction and length of the cursor is at least one of a process of reproducing a dynamic image at a reproduction speed corresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor, or a process of changing of a zoom ratio at a speed of changing of the zoom ratio corresponding to the direction and length of the cursor, and wherein displaying of the information by the second process is different than the changing of the information by the first process.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to enhance user interaction with displayed content through directional and length-based cursor manipulation. The apparatus includes a memory, an input interface, and a processor that executes instructions to display a cursor connecting a start and end point of a dragging motion on a display. The cursor's direction is determined from the start point to the end point, and the processor executes processes based on this direction. If the cursor's end point enters a predefined region during dragging, a first process is triggered, altering the displayed information. If the end point remains outside this region, a second process is executed, where the degree of execution depends on the cursor's length and direction. The second process may involve adjusting the playback speed of a dynamic image or changing the zoom ratio, with the speed of these changes corresponding to the cursor's direction and length. The first and second processes produce distinct visual outcomes, ensuring clear user feedback. This system enables intuitive control over displayed content through natural dragging gestures, improving user interaction efficiency.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the computer readable instructions to cause, from between first hierarchy information of a first hierarchy and second hierarchy information of a second hierarchy which is a higher hierarchy with respect to the first hierarchy, the first hierarchy information to be displayed on the display section, but change, when the other end portion of the cursor enters the predetermined region set on the display section during the dragging, the information to be displayed on the display section from the first hierarchy information to the second hierarchy information.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to improve user interaction with hierarchical data structures. The apparatus includes a display section and a processor configured to execute instructions for managing and displaying hierarchical information. The processor is configured to display first hierarchy information of a lower-level hierarchy on the display section. During a dragging operation where a cursor is moved, if the other end portion of the cursor enters a predetermined region on the display section, the displayed information transitions from the first hierarchy information to second hierarchy information of a higher-level hierarchy. This dynamic switching allows users to navigate between different levels of hierarchical data seamlessly during cursor movement, enhancing efficiency in data exploration. The invention addresses the challenge of navigating complex hierarchical structures by providing an intuitive, gesture-based method for switching between different levels of information without requiring additional user input. The apparatus may also include additional features such as detecting cursor movement, determining cursor position relative to the predetermined region, and adjusting the displayed information accordingly. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring quick access to nested or multi-level data, such as file systems, organizational charts, or database structures.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the computer readable instructions to return, if, after the information to be displayed on the display section is changed from the first hierarchy information to the second hierarchy information, the dragging is continued until the length of the cursor becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the information to be displayed on the display section from the second hierarchy information to the first hierarchy information.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to improve user interaction with hierarchical data structures displayed on a screen. The problem addressed is the need for an intuitive and efficient way to navigate between different levels of hierarchical information, such as menus or nested data, without requiring multiple discrete user inputs. The apparatus includes a display section for showing hierarchical information, an input section for receiving user commands, and a processor executing instructions to manage the display. When a user drags a cursor or input element, the processor detects the movement and adjusts the displayed information between a first hierarchy (e.g., a parent level) and a second hierarchy (e.g., a child level). If the user continues dragging beyond a threshold point, the display transitions to the second hierarchy. If the user then drags back past a predetermined threshold value, the display reverts to the first hierarchy. This bidirectional navigation allows seamless switching between hierarchical levels based on continuous input, reducing the need for separate commands to return to a previous level. The system enhances usability by providing immediate visual feedback and minimizing interruptions in the navigation flow. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring frequent navigation between nested data structures, such as file systems, organizational charts, or multi-level menus.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the first hierarchy information is a dynamic image while the second hierarchy information is an extracted image list configured from images extracted from the dynamic image, and the processor is further configured to execute the computer readable instructions to cause the dynamic image to be displayed on the display section, execute the first process including changing, based on the other end portion of the cursor entering the predetermined region set on the display section by the dragging, the information to be displayed on the display section from the dynamic image to the extracted image list, execute, when the dynamic image is displayed on the display section, the second process including reproducing the dynamic image at a reproduction speed corresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor based on the cursor being outside of the predetermined region during the dragging, and execute, when the extracted image list is displayed on the display section, a third process of scrolling the extracted image list at a scroll speed corresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus for displaying and navigating dynamic images and associated extracted image lists. The apparatus addresses the challenge of efficiently browsing and interacting with dynamic content, such as videos, by providing intuitive navigation controls. The system includes a display section and a processor configured to execute instructions for managing hierarchical information. The first hierarchy is a dynamic image (e.g., a video), while the second hierarchy is an extracted image list composed of frames or key images extracted from the dynamic image. The processor controls the display to show the dynamic image by default. When a cursor is dragged into a predetermined region of the display, the system transitions from the dynamic image to the extracted image list. If the cursor remains outside this region during dragging, the dynamic image is reproduced at a speed determined by the cursor's direction and length of movement. When the extracted image list is displayed, dragging the cursor scrolls the list at a speed proportional to the cursor's direction and movement length. This allows users to seamlessly switch between video playback and frame-by-frame navigation using intuitive cursor gestures. The invention enhances user interaction by providing a unified interface for both dynamic and static content browsing.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the first hierarchy information is a track list configured from titles of tunes while the second hierarchy information is an album list configured from albums in which the tunes are collected, and the processor is further configured to execute the computer readable instructions to cause the track list to be displayed on the display section, change, based on the other end portion of the cursor entering the predetermined region set on the display section by the dragging, the information to be displayed on the display section from the track list to the album list, execute, when the track list is displayed on the display section, the first process by scrolling the track list at a scroll speed corresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor, and execute, when the album list is displayed on the display section, the first process by scrolling the album list at a scroll speed corresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus for navigating hierarchical media content, such as music tracks and albums, using a cursor-based interface. The apparatus includes a display section and a processor that executes instructions to manage and display hierarchical information. The first hierarchy is a track list composed of tune titles, while the second hierarchy is an album list containing albums where the tunes are compiled. The processor displays the track list on the screen and, when a cursor is dragged into a predetermined region, transitions the display from the track list to the album list. When the track list is shown, the processor scrolls the list at a speed determined by the cursor's direction and drag length. Similarly, when the album list is displayed, the processor scrolls the album list based on the cursor's movement. This allows users to navigate between tracks and albums seamlessly using cursor gestures, enhancing the efficiency of media browsing. The invention improves user interaction by dynamically adjusting scroll speed according to input gestures, providing a responsive and intuitive navigation experience.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the computer readable instructions to erase, when the dragging comes to an end, the display of the cursor and returns the information to be displayed on the display section to the first hierarchy information.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to improve user interaction with hierarchical information displays. The apparatus includes a display section for showing information organized in multiple hierarchical levels and a processor that executes instructions to control the display. When a user drags an object or element on the screen, the processor temporarily shifts the display to a second hierarchy level, providing a preview of related information. Upon completing the drag action, the processor erases the cursor and restores the display to the original first hierarchy level, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience. The apparatus may also include a touch panel or other input device to detect user interactions, and the processor adjusts the display based on the detected input. This invention addresses the challenge of navigating hierarchical data efficiently, offering a dynamic preview without permanently altering the display structure, thus enhancing usability and reducing cognitive load. The system ensures that users can explore related information without losing context, improving both speed and accuracy in information retrieval.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the computer readable instructions to change, when the information to be displayed on the display section is changed from the first hierarchy information to the second hierarchy information and then the dragging is continued until the other end portion of the cursor goes out of the predetermined region and then enters the predetermined region again, the information to be displayed on the display section from the second hierarchy information to third hierarchy information of a third hierarchy which is a higher hierarchy with respect to the second hierarchy.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus with a display section and a cursor control mechanism, addressing the challenge of efficiently navigating hierarchical information structures. The apparatus includes a processor that executes instructions to detect cursor movements, particularly dragging actions, within a predetermined region of the display. When the displayed information changes from first hierarchy information to second hierarchy information due to an initial dragging action, and the dragging continues such that the cursor exits and re-enters the predetermined region, the processor further changes the displayed information from the second hierarchy to third hierarchy information. The third hierarchy is a higher-level hierarchy relative to the second hierarchy. The apparatus may also include a storage section for storing the hierarchical information and a display section for presenting the information. The processor dynamically adjusts the displayed content based on cursor interactions, allowing users to traverse multiple hierarchical levels with continuous dragging gestures, improving navigation efficiency in complex information structures.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the region is set to an end portion of the display section.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to information processing apparatuses with display sections, addressing the challenge of efficiently managing displayed content in limited screen space. The apparatus includes a display section and a control unit that processes and displays information. The control unit sets a specific region on the display section, where this region is positioned at an end portion of the display. This region is used to display information in a manner that optimizes visibility and usability, particularly when screen space is constrained. The control unit may adjust the size, position, or content of this region dynamically based on user interactions or system conditions. The apparatus may also include input detection capabilities to allow users to interact with the displayed information, such as selecting or manipulating content within the region. The end portion placement ensures that critical information remains accessible without obstructing other displayed elements, improving user experience in applications like mobile devices, dashboards, or embedded systems where screen real estate is limited. The invention enhances information presentation by dedicating a specific area for key data while maintaining overall display functionality.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. An Information processing method, comprising: causing, by a processor, when dragging is carried out through an input interface, a cursor interconnecting a start point and an end point of the dragging to be displayed on a display section in response to the dragging and executing, where a direction from one end portion of the cursor which is a start point side of the dragging to an other end portion of the cursor which is an end point side of the dragging is determined as a direction of the cursor, a first process corresponding to the direction of the cursor for information displayed on the display section; executing, by the processor, a first process involving changing the information to be displayed on the display section based on the other end portion of the cursor entering a predetermined region set on the display section during the dragging; and executing a second process corresponding to the direction and a length of the cursor for the information displayed on the display section based on the other end portion of the cursor being outside of the predetermined region during the dragging, a degree to which the second process is executed being based on the length of the cursor, wherein the second process corresponding to the direction and length of the cursor is at least one of a process of reproducing a dynamic image at a reproduction speed corresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor, or a process of changing of a zoom ratio at a speed of changing of the zoom ratio corresponding to the direction and length of the cursor, and wherein displaying of the information by the second process is different than the changing of the information by the first process.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing method for enhancing user interaction with displayed content through directional and length-based cursor manipulation. The method addresses the need for intuitive and dynamic control over displayed information, such as images or videos, by leveraging the direction and length of a cursor formed during a dragging gesture. When a user drags an input interface, a cursor is displayed connecting the start and end points of the dragging motion. The direction of the cursor is determined from the start point to the end point. If the cursor's end point enters a predefined region on the display, a first process is executed, altering the displayed information. For example, this could involve selecting or highlighting content within that region. If the cursor's end point remains outside the predefined region, a second process is executed based on the cursor's direction and length. The second process adjusts the displayed information dynamically, with the degree of adjustment proportional to the cursor's length. This process may include playing a video at a speed determined by the cursor's direction and length or adjusting the zoom ratio of the displayed content at a rate corresponding to the cursor's direction and length. The second process differs from the first process in that it provides continuous, dynamic control rather than discrete changes. This method enables precise and intuitive interaction with displayed information through natural dragging gestures.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. A non-transitory computer readable medium including computer readable instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to: cause, when dragging is carried out through an input interface, a cursor interconnecting a start point and an end point of the dragging to be displayed on a display section in response to the dragging and executing, where a direction from one end portion of the cursor which is a start point side of the dragging to an other end portion of the cursor which is an end point side of the dragging is determined as a direction of the cursor, a process corresponding to the direction of the cursor for information displayed on the display section; executing a first process involving changing the information to be displayed on the display section based upon the other end portion of the cursor entering a predetermined region set on the display section during the dragging; and executing a second process corresponding to the direction and a length of the cursor for the information displayed on the display section based upon the other end portion of the cursor being outside of the predetermined region during the dragging, a degree to which the process is executed being based on the length of the cursor, wherein the second process corresponding to the direction and length of the cursor is at least one of a process of reproducing a dynamic image at a reproduction speed corresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor, or a process of changing of a zoom ratio at a speed of changing of the zoom ratio corresponding to the direction and length of the cursor, and wherein displaying of the information by the second process is different than the changing of the information by the first process.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a graphical user interface system for interactive data manipulation. The system addresses the challenge of providing intuitive and efficient control over displayed information through drag-based gestures. When a user performs a dragging action via an input interface, a cursor is displayed connecting the start and end points of the dragging motion. The cursor's direction is determined from the start point to the end point, and a process is executed based on this direction. The system distinguishes between two primary operations: a first process triggered when the cursor's end point enters a predefined region on the display, which modifies the displayed information, and a second process executed when the cursor's end point remains outside this region. The second process adjusts the information based on both the cursor's direction and length, with the degree of adjustment proportional to the cursor's length. This second process may involve either controlling the playback speed of a dynamic image or adjusting the zoom ratio of the display, with the speed or zoom change rate corresponding to the cursor's direction and length. The first and second processes produce distinct visual outcomes, ensuring clear user feedback. This approach enhances user interaction by providing context-sensitive, gesture-based control over displayed content.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. An information processing apparatus, comprising: at least one memory configured to store computer readable instructions; an input interface; and a processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions to cause, when dragging is carried out through the input interface, a cursor interconnecting a start point and an end point of the dragging to be displayed on a display section in response to the dragging and execute, where a direction from one end portion of the cursor which is a start point side of the dragging to an other end portion of the cursor which is an end point side of the dragging is determined as a direction of the cursor, a process corresponding to the direction of the cursor for information displayed on the display section, execute a process corresponding to the direction and a length of the cursor for the information displayed on the display section, a degree to which the process is executed being based on the length of the cursor, cause, from between first hierarchy information of a first hierarchy and second hierarchy information of a second hierarchy which is a higher hierarchy with respect to the first hierarchy, the first hierarchy information to be displayed on the display section, change, when the other end portion of the cursor enters a predetermined region set on the display section by the dragging, the information to be displayed on the display section from the first hierarchy information to the second hierarchy information, and return, if, after the information to be displayed on the display section is changed from the first hierarchy information to the second hierarchy information, the dragging is continued until the length of the cursor becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the information to be displayed on the display section from the second hierarchy information to the first hierarchy information, wherein the process corresponding to the direction and length of the cursor is at least one of a process of scrolling at a scroll speed corresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor, or a process of changing a parameter of the information processing apparatus at a speed of parameter change corresponding to the direction and length of the cursor.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus that enhances user interaction through directional and length-based cursor manipulation. The apparatus includes a memory, an input interface, and a processor that executes instructions to display a cursor connecting a start and end point of a dragging action on a display. The cursor's direction, determined from the start to the end point, and its length influence the execution of processes on displayed information. The apparatus can perform actions such as scrolling at a speed proportional to the cursor's direction and length or adjusting system parameters at a rate based on these factors. The display initially shows first hierarchy information, but when the cursor's end point enters a predefined region, the display switches to higher-level second hierarchy information. If dragging continues and the cursor length falls below a threshold, the display reverts to the first hierarchy. This system enables intuitive navigation and control by leveraging both the direction and magnitude of user input gestures.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The information processing apparatus of claim 11 wherein, the process corresponding to the direction and length of the cursor is the process of scrolling at the scroll speed corresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor, and the process of scrolling at the scroll speed corresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor is at least one of, a process of scrolling an extracted image list at a scroll speed corresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor, a process of scrolling a track list at a scroll speed corresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor, or a process of scrolling an album list at a scroll speed corresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to enhance user interaction with digital content, particularly in media playback systems. The apparatus addresses the problem of inefficient navigation through large lists of items, such as images, tracks, or albums, by introducing a dynamic scrolling mechanism based on cursor input. The system processes cursor movements to determine both direction and length, translating these into a corresponding scroll speed for navigating through content lists. The apparatus supports scrolling operations for multiple types of lists, including extracted image lists, track lists, and album lists, where the scroll speed adjusts proportionally to the cursor's direction and length. This allows users to quickly and precisely navigate through extensive collections by varying the intensity and direction of their cursor movements, improving efficiency and user experience in media management and playback systems. The invention ensures smooth and intuitive interaction by dynamically adapting scroll behavior to user input, reducing the need for repetitive manual adjustments.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

August 18, 2020

Inventors

Reiko MIYAZAKI

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Cite as: Patentable. “INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM FOR USING A CURSOR” (10747417). https://patentable.app/patents/10747417

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INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM FOR USING A CURSOR